WEYMOUTH Crematorium has had a £1.4m revamp.People are now being invited into the building in Quibo Lane to see the improvements for themselves.

An open day is taking place this weekend when there will be a rededication service by the Archdeacon of Sherborne, The Venerable Paul Taylor, and Humanist minister Leslie Scrase.

The building work at the crematorium was carried out by local firm Matrix on behalf of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Government legislation means that where possible crematoriums must upgrade their inner workings to meet new environmental standards. Failure to do this can result in fines.

Along with this essential work upgrading the cremators and the abatement plant – which represented the lion’s share of the cost – the council also made several improvements to the facility both inside and out, making it more accessible and more welcoming.

This has included creating a larger, wheelchair friendly entrance lobby with opening windows into the main chapel. As well as being redecorated throughout, the chapel now benefits from new covers for the cushioned seating and improved lighting. To improve sound quality for deaf people, the lectern has been repositioned on the raised platform and a new loop system installed. The area where the floral displays are viewed is now protected by a covered canopy with better lighting, creating a more weather-resistant area.

The crematorium was shut for a fortnight while the work was carried out.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s spokesman for culture, tourism and community facilities, Andy Blackwood, said: “Improving and maintaining local facilities to meet the needs of residents is a priority for the council. I have seen for myself that this is a project that has modernised the crematorium in a way that is tasteful, welcoming and, most importantly, user friendly.

“Hopefully these improvements will make this important community facility a more welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, helping to make what can be a difficult experience a bit easier for residents.”

To mark the official re-opening, there will be an open day and re-dedication service from 10am on Saturday.